Edinburg Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Decades in Prison
An Edinburg man has been sentenced to 39 years in prison for murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, following a jury trial that concluded last week.
Authorities say Miguel Angel Mujica, 40, was convicted of killing Milton Rodriguez in October 2021.
The Crime
According to investigators, Rodriguez was discovered dead outside an apartment building with a gunshot wound to the face.
Mujica was later arrested and charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. The case moved to trial, where a jury found him guilty on both counts.
Sentencing Details
On Friday, jurors delivered their decision:
- 35 years for murder
- 4 years for unlawful possession of a firearm
The judge ruled that the sentences will run back to back, meaning Mujica will serve a total of 39 years behind bars.
Justice for the Victim
For the family of Milton Rodriguez, the sentencing brings some measure of closure nearly four years after the deadly shooting. Authorities say the conviction underscores the commitment of local law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue justice in violent crime cases.
Broader Context
Gun-related crimes remain a pressing issue across South Texas. According to state data, unlawful possession of firearms combined with violent crimes like murder can result in long-term sentences, particularly when juries impose consecutive terms.
